Service Cars

New Car 2006 Mercury Mountaineer review

Significant improvements from previous model. Road and wind noise are no longer noticable and the interior looks much better. The retractable running boards are a nice touch as are the power folding 3rd row seats. I really like the more powerfull engine and how responsive it is. The six speed transmission shifts very smoothly.





Im impressed on how the ride feels nearly luxuirous for a truck based SUV. Im not thrilled with the awkward door handles. When opening the door you have to get use to reaching lower on the door for the handle. Im worried I might not get a grip on it and it will get away and hit a parked car next to me. The large head restraints somewhat block my view to the sides when changing lanes. I think the safety features are awesome, especially the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.

News

Mountaineer and parent Ford Explorer have just received an extensive redo, so no further changes of note are likely for the next couple of years.

New For 2006 Mercury Mountaineer

Mountaineer is a Ford Explorer dressed as a Mercury. For 2006, it gets more V8 power, freshened styling, and front side airbags. Convenience, Luxury, and Premier models are offered. Each is available with a 210-hp V6 or with a 292-hp V8; the V8 gains 53 hp for 06. The V6 teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission. For 06, the V8 has a 6-speed automatic instead of a 5-speed. All Mountaineers are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. So is Fords AdvanceTrac antiskid system with rollover sensors. Optional on the Convenience models and standard on other Mountaineers is a split folding 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity; its newly available for 06 with a power-folding feature.

The 2nd row has a 60/40 split bench with available reclining seatbacks. Front side airbags are standard on all models. Standard on Premier and optional on other models are curtain side airbags with rollover deployment; these cover the 1st and 2nd seat rows. Also available: 2nd-row bucket seats, DVD entertainment, power-adjustable pedals, power-deployable running boards, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system. Mountaineers performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Explorers.

Interior Design and Special Features

The interior is simple and straightforward in design, with room for seven adults and comfortable seats that offer a commanding view outward. Materials are attractive, and cabin noise is minimal. Its feasible to carry two adults in the third-row seats, but choosing the third-row option also reduces available cargo space. Seven-passenger Mountaineers max out at 82.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while five-passenger versions offer a more competitive 84.7 cubic feet.




Safety

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes and a tire-pressure monitor are standard on all models, along with the AdvanceTrac stability control system and Roll Stability Control, which uses a gyro sensor to calculate the SUVs roll speed and angle. If the system determines a rollover is imminent, AdvanceTrac takes corrective action to help avoid it. Standard on the Premier trim level and optional on other Mountaineers is a security group with a reverse-sensing system and a Safety Canopy System that adds first- and second-row side curtain airbags and a rollover sensor that keeps the airbags inflated longer in the event your Mountaineer does roll over. The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer has not yet been crash tested, but last years model fared well, earning four to five stars in all NHTSA frontal- and side-impact tests, as well as a top rating of "Good" in IIHS frontal-offset testing.

Powertrains and Performance

The standard engine is a 4.0-liter V6 good for 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. An optional 4.6-liter V8 is rated for 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V6, while the V8 comes with a six-speed unit. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available with either engine. Properly equipped, a Mercury Mountaineer can tow up to 7,300 pounds.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize four-door SUV offered in three trim levels: Convenience, Luxury and Premier. Convenience is well equipped with such features as 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, leather seating, air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks. Luxury models receive dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, upgraded audio with a six-disc CD changer and a third-row seat. The top-of-the-line Premier adds a reverse-sensing system, heated seats and upgraded trim. Notable options include a DVD entertainment system for rear-seat passengers, power-deploying running boards and a navigation system.



Driving Impressions

Theres a lot thats new underneath the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer.

The new V8 engine is more powerful than the V8 on 2005 Mountaineers. Though the displacement is the same as before, the new V8 features three valves per cylinder and new electronics, which generates major amounts of added motivation: 53 more horsepower and 18 more pound-feet of torque. Curb weight is up, however, by almost 200 pounds. Torque peaks on the high side, too. This probably explains why we werent overwhelmed by the response from the V8 when we prodded the accelerator, whether from a stop light or when hoping to take advantage of a long-awaited opening on a crowded two-lane road. The new six-speed automatic transmission compensated somewhat, but not enough to impress.

The V6 engine is the same as last years, with 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Mercury says the frame is stronger on 2006 models, which combined with a revised front suspension and a new, trailing-link rear suspension should produce a firmer, more controlled ride. Firmer, maybe, but as for more control, we didnt feel it. The 2006 Mountaineer tracks relatively well on level, straight roads, but leans in corners almost as much as the 05. Likewise, when pushed in corners, it plows as readily as any top-heavy SUV. Steering response felt a bit crisper, but we cant say how much this was attributable to changes in the suspension as to the marginally larger footprint from the lower profile tires and the 0.7-inch wider rear track (the distance between the left and right wheels).

The all-wheel drive in the Mountaineer is more for conquering the snowy parking lot at the ski resort and maintaining controlled headway in downpours than for tackling rock-strewn terrain. And by that measure, its quite competent. In the same vein, its also just as good as the Envoy, but wont quite keep up with the Pathfinder.

At speed on pavement, theres some wind noise, but not enough to detract in the least from the stereo. Road noise is decently muted.

2006 Mercury Mountaineer: Prices & Equipment

Model Prices


2WD Convenience V6 4-door wagon $29,150 $26,624 $645
AWD Convenience V6 4-door wagon $31,350 $28,582 $645
2WD Luxury V6 4-door wagon $31,150 $28,404 $645
2WD Luxury V8 4-door wagon $32,350 $29,472 $645
AWD Luxury V6 4-door wagon $33,350 $30,362 $645
AWD Luxury V8 4-door wagon $34,550 $31,430 $645
2WD Premier V8 4-door wagon $33,300 $30,317 $645
AWD Premier V8 4-door wagon $35,500 $32,275 $645



2006 Mercury Mountaineer Summary

The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger sport-utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the 4X2 Convenience 4.0L to the AWD Premier 4.6L.

Upon introduction, the 4X2 Convenience 4.0L is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter, V6, 210-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The AWD Premier 4.6L is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 292-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Overall Review

the all new Mercury mountainneer is for the family that needs the 3rd row seat but doesnt want a huge bulky, slow, Suv. this vehicle moves and provides every necessity for the growing family.